The Opposite of What We Want...A *Lightweight* Tractor

[OkieDave]

So I think I want the wrong thing, but for all the right reasons. I have a modern tractor for duty use, but when I use it for mowing, it leaves ruts in the yard (I have very sandy soil). I think I want a lightweight tractor (as a second machine, not a replacement), probably with turf tires, to be a dedicated mowing machine, probably with a flail mower. Preference to an older and less-expensive machine. It'll only be for mowing (my Mahindra 3316 will continue to serve as a loader/plowing/brushhogging machine), so I don't need serious capability or traction. I just want something that won't tear up the lawn; bonus points for something that's simple, and that I can resell someday for as much as I have in it.

Thoughts?

 

[RoyJackson]

As a dedicated mowing machine, it's hard to beat a zero-turn mower with turf tires.
Now much lawn do you have to mow?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Sounds like you need a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower if you like the tractor type. Roy already suggested the best option for mowing, Zero turn mower. I dont know what you would get that would hold the value forever like you mentioned though unless it is something like the John Deere 332 diesel lawn tractor that I have with 54" mower deck. The old diesel lawn tractors from Kubota and JD hold value pretty well and can be found for $2-3K in good shape. The diesel engines last forever.

 

[phiferpharm]

+1 on the Zero Turn. I bought my 52" Ferris from my BIL used (his son is a landscaper) for 2.5K with 750 hours on it. I've had it for over a year now and it has become my main mowing option on most of my property- it is faster than using my tractor to mow.

 

[jpm1]

Ditto on the Zero Turn. I mow a lot of lawn each week and thought i was doing it quite fast, yea right! I bought a Skag 61" and what a difference! The lawn looks better, i cover more acrage faster meaning less fuel consumption.
I was mowing with and still do in certain areas use a Mahindra 2810 HST with a 72"KK RD finish mower. At my place this year it's going to be about 32 acres and 3 to 4 other lawn averaging 2 - 5 acres. The zero is the machine of choice on those. Some of my mowing is on soft ground and the ZTM treads lightly but you have to be careful on your turns.
In the first picture, the lawn behind the tractor looking at my house is mowed with the tractor simply because it is about 700' long, its to hard for me to mow straight lines that long with the "Z"
IMO the only problem with my ZTM . . .no cruise control. . . .John

 

[Martian]

I wouldn't think you'd want another tractor, but a lawn/garden machine, as mentioned. Look at the zero turns, have a friend who has one and swears by it. I've used it a couple of times and it sure is nice.

 

[Code54]

The zero turn is quicker than anything else but if you want some "old Iron" a old Farmall Cub is a great little mower and light weight. I have a Low Boy (A cub that is lower than the normal one) that is very wide and stable and can be run with either a flail or belly mower. I also have a zero turn that I use around the house due to its speed and maneuverability - BUT the Cub is just fun to drive and I think it looks cool!!!
Oh - you can find Cubs for roughly 1-3K depending if it is original or restored.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've debated the same thing but not because of tractor weight...
I looked into a zero turn for the faster mowing speed but determined with my undulating terrain and hills I was better off with my 1720 and front wheel assist...
I have several hills that I mow with it that a zero turn would be off limits...

 

[OkieDave]

Okay, I'll admit, it's also for the sake of having some neat old iron, not just for mowing. I have 2.5 acres, and it's flat. Very flat.

I was toying with something like an 8N with turfs, but I'm sure there are other options as well.

 

[DK35vince]

I was toying with something like an 8N with turfs, but I'm sure there are other options as well.

That wouldn't be any lighter than your 3316. It may even weigh more.